GOP Rep. Gohmert tests positive for virus after refusing to wear mask, cancels Trump trip
Gohmert, one of the House’s most conservative and outspoken members, tested positive at the White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, forcing him to abruptly cancel his plan to travel to his home state with President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One, a House Republican aide said.
Read More: Georgia governor backs out of hearing on Atlanta mask order
Gohmert, 66, one of the House’s most conservative and outspoken members, tested positive at the White House and planned to isolate, according to the aide, who was not authorized to publicly discuss Gohmert’s test result and spoke on condition of anonymity.
It was not immediately clear where Gohmert was after he left the White House.
An eight-term lawmaker, Gohmert is often seen without wearing a mask. He participated in the House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday where Attorney General William Barr testified. Before the hearing, Gohmert was seen approaching the meeting room a few feet behind Barr, with neither man wearing a mask.
Read More: AG Barr defends federal response to BLM protests at House hearing
Gohmert also voted Tuesday on the House floor.
He is at least the 10th member of Congress known to have tested positive for the coronavirus, which can cause COVID-19.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
